Ruger Auto's
Bearcat
I found a collector who has a standard 6" auto that has an S stamped on the side. How many were made this way and what would it be worth. The seller tells me he has a factory letter on the gun and is in its original box.
Standard 6" auto S gun
- Thread starter Ruger Auto's
- Start date
SATCOM
Blackhawk
The numbers of "S" guns (Seconds are mostly cosmetic short comings) for all models is not known. Maybe the most famous "S" guns are the Lightweights and I believe the total numbers of them is known. The stamped S can be found on various places even on the same model. Before & after serial number, underside of cylinder frame, and of course on the receiver on .22 autos. The factory always knows "S" guns.
I do not know added value of an "S" but one must start the value of the gun. Your friend's Standard w/box without knowing which series/serial number if anything special sounds like a $300 gun. Hopefully some of the experts will add more to this.
SATCOM
I do not know added value of an "S" but one must start the value of the gun. Your friend's Standard w/box without knowing which series/serial number if anything special sounds like a $300 gun. Hopefully some of the experts will add more to this.
SATCOM
contender
Ruger Guru
Welcome to the Forum!
A LOT depends upon which model "Standard" you are looking at.
If it's like the MKI series, (Of which the name "Standard" does describe the model,) there were variations within that series. That series of Standard models were made from 1949 until 1982.
Now, within that era, there are changes in the guns. Frames changed, (A-54 to the A-100,) and it does make a bit of a difference.
You mentioned it has the "S" stamped on the side. Is it part of the Serial number? Is the "S" on the opposite side of the receiver from the serial number?
According to the RENE Guide, all are rare.
But the devil is in the details.
The factory letter is a big plus, as it shows it was shipped that way.
Here are the known serials of the ones listed in the RENE Guide;
S10-98270
11-27081
11-46638
S12-05721, S12-08557 (& 6 more like this made but serials unknown.)
All are desirable & worth more than $300 for sure!
A LOT depends upon which model "Standard" you are looking at.
If it's like the MKI series, (Of which the name "Standard" does describe the model,) there were variations within that series. That series of Standard models were made from 1949 until 1982.
Now, within that era, there are changes in the guns. Frames changed, (A-54 to the A-100,) and it does make a bit of a difference.
You mentioned it has the "S" stamped on the side. Is it part of the Serial number? Is the "S" on the opposite side of the receiver from the serial number?
According to the RENE Guide, all are rare.
But the devil is in the details.
The factory letter is a big plus, as it shows it was shipped that way.
Here are the known serials of the ones listed in the RENE Guide;
S10-98270
11-27081
11-46638
S12-05721, S12-08557 (& 6 more like this made but serials unknown.)
All are desirable & worth more than $300 for sure!
radicalrod
Hunter
Well demand drives price along with the need to own one for me anyways.....
Probably not much demand out there as I think there is only a few serious auto guys left and "we" all have one :lol: :lol: :lol:
I would think it should be worth $750 to $1K but who knows and most guys don't even realize they own one unless someone points it out....if the owner is a collector he knows what he has and will most likely want a premium over a standard model....heck I get excited over S guns and D guns so I usually pay more than I should but I have some KOOL GUNS....YMMV....RR
Probably not much demand out there as I think there is only a few serious auto guys left and "we" all have one :lol: :lol: :lol:
I would think it should be worth $750 to $1K but who knows and most guys don't even realize they own one unless someone points it out....if the owner is a collector he knows what he has and will most likely want a premium over a standard model....heck I get excited over S guns and D guns so I usually pay more than I should but I have some KOOL GUNS....YMMV....RR
radicalrod said:
+1
SATCOM
Blackhawk
Contender, RR, & flattop44,
I suggested the $300 would be for nice, but plain vanilla 6" Standard w/box. Then the value of the "S" to be added. Would $500-$700 added to make RR's estimate. Can the value be determined that way? If not, how?
What is the difference in value in a Tricolor and another similar condition but with the "S"?
Thanks.
SATCOM
I suggested the $300 would be for nice, but plain vanilla 6" Standard w/box. Then the value of the "S" to be added. Would $500-$700 added to make RR's estimate. Can the value be determined that way? If not, how?
What is the difference in value in a Tricolor and another similar condition but with the "S"?
Thanks.
SATCOM
circlergrugers
Vaquero
Is this where someone says Condition, condition, I don't think this has been mentioned? OH ya and everyone likes pictures!!
SATCOM said:
HAWKEYE#28 said:
radicalrod
Hunter
Well at the local shows I see very few 2 piece BLK/RED boxed mint 6" standards priced at $300......
More like $495 and up.....whether they are worth that much is another debate....
I would think an S stamp should double the price of a NON S marked gun easily...JMO and YMMV...RR
More like $495 and up.....whether they are worth that much is another debate....
I would think an S stamp should double the price of a NON S marked gun easily...JMO and YMMV...RR
circlergrugers said:
Condition always matters.
In this case, the "S" is the big attraction. I suppose the guys who go in for these would take condition into account, but the fact remains that an "S" gun is quite desirable for its scarcity alone.
Yes, a "nice" one might bring a little more, and a "boat anchor" somewhat less. I'd listen to Rod on these.
radicalrod
Hunter
Just for the record I do not mind getting a "deal" every once in a while....Knowledge is power....
BUT if it is RARE and I NEED IT.....I am not afraid to spend a little extra....but everyone has a "PAIN THRESHOLD".....RR
BUT if it is RARE and I NEED IT.....I am not afraid to spend a little extra....but everyone has a "PAIN THRESHOLD".....RR
contender
Ruger Guru
I stand with RR on this.
I have a NICE, ANIB RST6 I'm going to sell & will not take less than $350 for it. It does NOT have an "S" or anything special. If it had an "S" and the factory letter, I'd easily double the value.
I have a NICE, ANIB RST6 I'm going to sell & will not take less than $350 for it. It does NOT have an "S" or anything special. If it had an "S" and the factory letter, I'd easily double the value.
SATCOM
Blackhawk
OK guys, can we use the following to determine rough estimate of an "S" gun;
1. Determine the value of a same condition exact model same era/year gun without an "S".
2. Double that value and use it as first estimate/offer.
3. Increase this amount in increments of "Gotta have" until it is in your safe.
Well???
SATCOM
1. Determine the value of a same condition exact model same era/year gun without an "S".
2. Double that value and use it as first estimate/offer.
3. Increase this amount in increments of "Gotta have" until it is in your safe.
Well???
SATCOM
Must also consider if there are "only 2 known S marked in this model" versus "50 known S marked of another model". The lesser quantity certainly makes it a much rarer "S" marked than the larger quantity so more $$$s. Sure no exact science.
FT44
FT44
radicalrod
Hunter
Well my "normal" method is to pile up cash on the table until the guys says that's enough :lol: :lol: :lol:
Seems to work most of the time :roll: :roll: :roll: YMMV....RR
Seems to work most of the time :roll: :roll: :roll: YMMV....RR
SATCOM
Blackhawk
:roll: OK I get it now.
Please, somebody offer to sell me a "S" gun Auto or revolver pre 73 but would consider later. Tricolor Lightweight would be good and there are a bunch of them.
SATCOM
Please, somebody offer to sell me a "S" gun Auto or revolver pre 73 but would consider later. Tricolor Lightweight would be good and there are a bunch of them.
SATCOM
radicalrod
Hunter
So how many is a "BUNCH" :lol: :lol: :lol: RR
I would think that an "S" in any other model will be far MORE desireable and worth far MORE than a 'standard' auto, and certainly MORE folks would be interested and go after them,MOST folks do NOT give a 'standard' auto even the Mk Is a second look on the tables at any given gun show, same goes for the display shows,,,,,,,,,
rugerguy said:
Pretty sad but true,,
It has always amazed me how these guns (autos) have fallen by the wayside with Collectors. Terry
Well, most of us Olde Phartes grew up on "B" western movies and TV cowboys, so the single-action revolvers are just a little more interesting to us. Mr. Ruger saw that and really "made his bones" with the Single-Six in that regard. The neat little auto pistols simply didn't have the panache of the "Sixes", even with the name "Ruger" playing strongly to their "Luger-like" appearamce. They certainly put the hurt on the Colt Woodsman and the Hi-Standard pistols with their simplicity, dependability, accuracy, and especially their price.
Coogs
Maximum
I'd be REALLY interested in a "S" Maxi, if it ever turns up! :shock: :shock: :shock: Coogs.
radicalrod
Hunter
Jack, send me one and I can use my stamping set :lol: :lol: :lol:
I only have one letter :roll: :roll: :roll: can you guess which one :?: :?: :?:
OK 2....how do you think I came up with that D/S BEARCAT :!: :!: :!: RR
I only have one letter :roll: :roll: :roll: can you guess which one :?: :?: :?:
OK 2....how do you think I came up with that D/S BEARCAT :!: :!: :!: RR
Coogs
Maximum
RR, I got those stamps also, but was really looking for a legitimate one!!!!! :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: Coogs.
SATCOM
Blackhawk
radicalrod said:
At least one book lists 261 "S" Lightweights. That's more than the 4 5/8" Super Single Sixes. A bunch? Sure a bunch.
SATCOM
Geeze, and I was overjoyed just to come up with a "normal" tri-color.
I am such a novice.
I am such a novice.
SATCOM
Blackhawk
Ale-8(1),
My one and only Tricolor has a loading gate and ejector rod button combination that is NOT recognized a proper variation! Cool though is the grip color matches the cylinder color.
SATCOM
My one and only Tricolor has a loading gate and ejector rod button combination that is NOT recognized a proper variation! Cool though is the grip color matches the cylinder color.
SATCOM
Gold grips???
SATCOM
Blackhawk
Real close, normal black grips but they aged to golden light brown. I have a pair that are green and another that brown mustard yellow.
Yep, those colorations are interesting.
Just for fun, I "fixed" a pair of "brown" panels that were otherwise not "pristine". Boiled them in a concentrated solution of RIT black dye and rinsed in cold water, then wiped down with gun oil. Other than the existing wear and other problems, they look just fine, thanks. Be aware that panels so treated will "bleed" black when left in contact with something over time, but the color doesn't seem to fade. I have not left them exposed to sunlight, so I don't know how that would affect them.
I would not so treat a set of panels whose only shortcoming was color. I'm not allergic to patina.
Just for fun, I "fixed" a pair of "brown" panels that were otherwise not "pristine". Boiled them in a concentrated solution of RIT black dye and rinsed in cold water, then wiped down with gun oil. Other than the existing wear and other problems, they look just fine, thanks. Be aware that panels so treated will "bleed" black when left in contact with something over time, but the color doesn't seem to fade. I have not left them exposed to sunlight, so I don't know how that would affect them.
I would not so treat a set of panels whose only shortcoming was color. I'm not allergic to patina.
